DRIVN, an electric commercial vehicle leasing platform, has partnered with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions Private Limited, one of India’s leading private intercity bus operators, to deploy 100 electric coaches across major intercity routes. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the electrification of India’s private intercity bus segment through an asset-light operating lease model, enabling operators to transition to electric mobility without substantial upfront capital investment.
The first batch of electric coaches is scheduled to be deployed from July–August 2026. Initial operations will cover high-demand routes including Mumbai–Pune, Bengaluru–Chennai, and Hyderabad–Vijayawada. The two companies are also evaluating additional intercity corridors to rapidly expand the fleet deployment following the successful rollout of the first 100 buses.
Under the partnership, DRIVN will lease the buses to Prasanna Purple through its long-term operating lease model. This model will enable Prasanna Purple to expand electric fleets with reduced upfront capital investment while providing long-term fleet support.
Alpna Jain, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, DRIVN, said, Large-scale commercial electrification requires business models that make the transition commercially viable for operators. Our business model is designed to enable adoption by providing appropriately predictable, competitive and long term capital. Operators are also increasingly using our proprietary tech stack to increase their revenue and manage their electric fleet.”
Saurabh P. Patwardhan, Director, Prasanna Group, said, “Electrification at scale is no longer a question of if, but of who leads the transition. Through our collaboration with DRIVN, we are taking an important step towards building a cleaner and more sustainable future for intercity travel. We believe electric mobility can deliver the reliability, comfort and operational efficiency passengers expect while creating a model that can accelerate adoption across the industry.”
The partnership marks a significant step toward decarbonising intercity passenger mobility in India and reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions. By combining tech-first innovative leasing models, DRIVN and Prasanna Purple aim to create a scalable framework for the wider adoption of electric buses across the country.
